In the Test Kitchen

Top 10 Food Trends of 2011

Bacon, brussel sprouts, sliders, bacon, burgers, bite-size desserts, sustainable, local...did I mention bacon? These are a sampling of the top trends in food in 2010some of which were predicted and others that caught us by surprise. While no one has a crystal ball to consult, there are some trends on the horizon that seem pretty promising for 2011. Listed below are 10 we're betting on for the upcoming year.

1. Cupcakes Are No Longer Cute, Hello Sweetie Pie!

They're cute, sweet, and a lot of fun to eat, but let's face ita cupcake is just a piece of cake that doesn't require a fork. It's the pie's time to shine. They're showing up at weddings, pie shops are opening left and right, and some restaurants are offering pie happy hours. No doubt you'll start to see them available sweet or savory and large or small.

2. Sweet Potatoes Aren't Just for November Anymore

Following in the footsteps of the cranberry, the sweet potato has migrated from the Thanksgiving table onto our plates year-roundand considering it's loaded with beta-carotene and fiber, this is certainly something to be thankful for. Look out for the root vegetable on restaurant menus in forms other than the trusty fry.

3. Moove Over, Milk

The new milk on the market doesn't come from a cowit comes from a nut! Almond milk is quickly gaining speed as a popular dairy alternative. But buyer beware: It's no stand in for milk and while you may think it's chock-full of nuts, the first ingredient is water.

4. The Rise of the Vegetable

Meatless Mondays and Tofu Thursdays are in store for 2011. Cutting down on meat consumption not only has a positive impact on our health, but it benefits the environment and your wallet. With the delicious veggie entrees chefs are whipping up and cookbooks devoted entirely to produce, it's easier than you thought.

5. Sausage is the New Bacon

Bacon lovers beware, there's a new menu sweetheart gaining ground. Look out for better quality sausage made from leaner meats to take on the role as the "new bacon". Also keep an eye out for additives like cheese and pineapple.

6. Haute Couture Hot Dogs

While gourmet hamburgers may never disappear, hot dogs are the new darling of the upscale meat movement. They are migrating from the street cart and ballpark into the finest of restaurants. Keep an eye out for fancy toppings and creative flavor combinations.

7. Mallomar Makeover

Hot dogs aren't the only guilty pleasure getting a facelift. With grown-up versions of the Hostess Snowball and Drake's Swiss roll turning up in bakeries, junk food is making a climb up the social ladder. Foie gras wrapped cotton candy and Cheeto-like snacks have also been making appearances on restaurant menus.

8. Tart Cherry Juice is the Next Health Drink

First it was pomegranate juice, and then it was coconut water. In 2011, tart cherry juice is being marketed as the new "health drink". Manufacturers claim that tart cherries can help with wrinkles, insomnia, and puffinessto name a few potential benefits. We'll stay up to date on the research (and you can keep track of your wrinkles) to see if these perks pan out. Keep an eye out for some of the new products popping up on shelves.

9. Comfort Food Comeback

Perhaps it's a sign we're growing tired of tiny portions on tiny plates followed by a not-so-tiny check. Belly warming bites such as lasagna, mac and cheese, and meatballs are taking over the spotlight in restaurants and food magazines. Family and Italian-style dining is also part of this trend.

10. Gluten-Free Goodies

While following a gluten-free diet is a lifesaving strategy for people with celiac disease, suddenly everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. For most, it's not necessary, but one thing is for suregluten-free is everywhere. And with companies like General Mills introducing gluten-free products, this fad is not fading.

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